The report highlights the nature of geothermal GHG emissions in general, as well as those in California, where the nation’s most extensive cap-and-trade program is set to take effect this week. It also notes that geothermal power plants offer an environmentally friendly option to conventional fossil fuel power plants.

“GEA applauds California’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by the year 2020. This ambitious goal will serve to mitigate global climate change and increase America’s energy security, and geothermal is poised to provide the Golden State with the roadmap to meet this target,” said GEA Executive Director Karl Gawell. “California’s program should serve as a model for other states and the federal government as we seek energy independence, job growth and a cleaner, safer environment for future generations.”

California is a hot-bed for geothermal energy, and the new report from GEA notes that geothermal plant emissions are substantially lower than those of traditional fossil-fuel plants. In fact, geothermal power plant emissions in general arise primarily from existing geothermal resource gases rather than from the actual power generation process. This information is critical when considering how to minimize the GHG emissions of the energy sector. According to the report an average geothermal power plant emits about 5% of the carbon dioxide, 1% of the sulfur dioxide, and less than 1% of the nitrous oxide emitted by a coal-fired plant of equal size.

As the largest producer of renewable power in California, geothermal is primed for significant growth in the state. Natural gas and coal plants produce considerably more GHG emissions than geothermal plants, and will be greatly affected by California’s cap on such emissions. As prices increase for coal and natural gas, clean energy alternatives such as geothermal will offer a more affordable energy option. Geothermal is a critical piece of a complete energy suite of technologies, offering baseload power as a counterpart to intermittent technologies such as wind and solar.

“Geothermal can offer firm or flexible power to meet the needs of the system and support grid reliability with near zero emissions. When you consider that alternatives expect natural gas power to fill the gaps in production, geothermal offers a truly premium, low-emission power supply,” Gawell added.

About the Geothermal Energy Association:The Geothermal Energy Association (GEA) is a trade association composed of U.S. companies who support the
expanded use of geothermal energy and are developing geothermal Resources worldwide for electrical power
generation and direct-heat uses. GEA advocates for public policies that will promote the development and
utilization of geothermal Resources, provides a forum for the industry to discuss issues and problems,
encourages research and development to improve geothermal technologies, presents industry views to
governmental organizations, provides assistance for the export of geothermal goods and services, compiles
statistical data about the geothermal industry, and conducts education and outreach projects. For more
information, please visit http://www.geo-energy.org/. Check out GEA’s YouTube Channel.
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